WITH a three-week break before our next game it was essential that Federals maintain their winning combination in both grades to ensure a chance at a top two finish as the finals rapidly approach. Congratulations to Zeki Allardyce reaching his first milestone, having played 100 games.
Reserves: This game was always going to be a tough encounter as last year’s premiers York could not afford to concede a loss and find themselves adrift and missing the finals campaign this year. The first quarter saw York kicking with a slight breeze and showing determination to push the ball forward to create scoring opportunities where as Federals, with lack of endeavor and goal front inaccuracy allowed York to take a lead of 11 points at the first break. After the break and a rev up from coach Steve Rakowksi Federals lifted and proceeded to peg back York with a more determined attitude and added aggression leaving the field at the long break with a one-point lead. The third term belonged to Federals increasing their lead which could have put the game beyond doubt, but once again inability to kick goals saw them take a slender 14-point lead into the final quarter after kicking two goals, seven points to York’s one goal. The final term was played in two halves with Federals taking the early ascendancy kicking a further four goals and then York coming home late in this final term with three goals of their own, leaving Federals eventual winners 10.14 (74) to York 8.6 (54) points.
League: This game was vital for the Federals’ side as a loss would see them slide back among the field and coach Alistair Smith stressed the importance of a good win to ensure they return after the three-week break able to sustain forward momentum towards a double chance come finals. With the return of a few players and an improved midfield combination Federals were quick out of the blocks and able to establish a 13-point lead by the first break. The second term saw Federals combining well and starting to really gain the ascendancy over the Roos who suffered some inaccuracy kicking two goals – four points, whereas Federals kicked six goals – two points, taking a handy 35-point lead into the long break. The last two quarters were similar with York trying hard to peg back the lead established by Federals and the home side determined to maintain momentum, turning the game into a goal for goal shoot out. Federals ran out comfortable winners 21.12 to 12.10.
Netball: The Federal Fillies girls had a good win over their opponents the York Joeys, 64 goals to 38.
Awards: Reserves: 1st: Bowie Matthews; 2nd: Kadyn Beazley; 3rd: Tavis Saunders; Coaches’ award: William Dick Junior. League: 1st: Jordan Leeson; 2nd: Lachlan Dunkerton; 3rd: Sean Oliver; Coaches’ award: Kaden Elliott. Netball: 1st: Lisa Williamson; 2nd: Jade Barrett; 3rd: Stacey Hunter.
Thanks to our sponsors for these awards. Don’t forget our Reserve Shuffle Tune Off function this Saturday at the Rec Centre at 4pm. Be sure to buy your song from our Facebook page quickly as there is a cut off for purchasing.
